The return of Hafthor Bjornsson to Strongman is definitely one of the best things that could have happened to the sport, as the Icelandic athlete is pushing the boundaries. He is definitely the greatest deadlifter in the world, which means a lot considering that it is one of the staple events in strength sports. Hafthor proved this once again during his recent training session, where he locked out a 470-kilogram (1,036.2-pound) raw elephant bar deadlift.
Hafthor Bjornsson is currently preparing for the $100,000 Elephant Bar Deadlift Challenge, where he will be required to pull 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds) or more. The challenge will be a part of the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic, which will take place on February 28th – March 1 in Columbus, Ohio. Specifically, the Elephant Bar Deadlift will be the first event of the competition.
Hafthor Bjornsson’s recent 470-kilogram (1,036.2-pound) elephant bar deadlift was raw, meaning that he only used a lifting belt and lifting straps to complete the lift. Moreover, he lifted the weight with a conventional stance, as sumo stance is not permitted in Strongman. The speed with which Hafthor completed the lift definitely shows that pulling half a ton will be a realistic feat for him at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic.
For reference, the current Elephant Bar Deadlift World Record stands at 474.5 kilograms (1,046 pounds) and is held by Hafthor Bjornsson. So, to see him crush 470 kilograms (1,036.2 pounds) with ease nearly four weeks out from the competition is truly spectacular.
Watch Hafthor Bjornsson’s lift here:
Many notable Strongman and strength figures had words of praise for Hafthor Bjornsson’s 470-kilogram (1,036.2-pound) elephant bar deadlift, including Laurence ‘Big Loz’ Shahlaei, Shane Flowers, Justin Medeiros, and more. However, the best explanation of the lift came from the man closest to Hafthor, Sebastian Oreb, who is his coach.
“Not only is this the strongest deadlift session I’ve ever witnessed, I will say that there is no man, past or present, other than Thor, that can perform a raw, conventional deadlift with this weight the way Thor just did.” wrote Hafthor Bjornsson’s coach.
Hafthor Bjornsson’s Strongman journey in recent months has been filled with success, as he makes improvements on a weekly basis. His overhead strength has been holding him down for the better part of 2024, but that aspect has also seen massive progress. So, it seems that Hafthor will be chasing multiple elite titles this year.
Hafthor Bjornsson is going into the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic hoping to get his fourth title, as he already has three to his name. He has also previously won the 2018 World’s Strongest Man, 5x Europe’s Strongest Man, and 11x Iceland’s Strongest Man competitions. So, it is clear to see that Hafthor is already one of the most accomplished Strongmen in history, but he is still eager to further improve his resume.
Related: Exercise Scientist Critiques Training of 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson, Offers Tips
Hafthor Bjornsson is clearly very optimistic in regard to the $100,000 Elephant Bar Deadlift Challenge, and he clearly has every reason to be. Moving 470 kilograms (1,036.2 pounds) at such a pace is unheard of. So, with four more weeks of preparation, there is no doubt that Hafthor will be able to deadlift over half a ton.
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